State Rep. Geraldine F. Thompson of House District 39, the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services, the Wells’ Built Museum, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Frontline Outreach, the Children’s Home Society and Valencia Community College have partnered to present the 2011 Urban Youth Leadership Summit from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on June 17, 2011 at the Valencia College West Campus in Building 8.
The Urban Youth Leadership Summit will link youth with professionals from area educational institutions, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the AWCD Youth Central and civic organizations to focus on goal setting, life skills and leadership preparation. The Urban Youth Leadership Summit will be one of several activities presented in celebration of Juneteenth and emancipation of slaves in America. The Urban Youth Leadership summit will focus on the journey from emancipation to excellence. Over 300 youth from Boys and Girls Clubs, Guardian Ad Litem, Goodwill, Frontline Outreach and the Orange County Department of Youth Services are scheduled to participate.
A highlight of the Urban Youth Leadership Summit will be the launching of the Emerging Scholars Project created by Rhodes Scholar/NFL Player, Myron Rolle; NCAA Shot Put Champion Garett Johnson; and Marine Officer/University President’s Assistant Jamal Sowell. Jamal Sowell, an Orlando native, who now serves as Special Assistant to University of Florida President Bernie Machen, said he is honored to promote the project with Myron Rolle and Garrett Johnson. Sowell said he is excited about returning home and speaking with youth about the Emerging Scholars Project which is designed to identify Florida’s minority and underrepresented students for participation in National Fellowship Programs. Jamal Sowell is a former University of Florida Student Body President and was inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Fame before serving his Country as an officer in the United States Marine Corp in Afghanistan.
Youth who participate in the Urban Youth Leadership Summit will be invited to apply for the Emerging Scholars Project which will be held at the University of Florida on Saturday July 30, 2011. Other speakers will include elected officials, Orange County Juvenile Judges, law enforcement representatives and workforce liaisons. The Urban Youth Leadership Summit will lead into a weekend of activities to observe Juneteenth. The Juneteenth Celebration will culminate at the Central Florida Fairgrounds with a Music Festival on Saturday, June 18 which will feature local talent and national recording artists Atlantic Starr, Tank and the Mary Jane Girls who will perform a tribute to Teena Marie and Rick James.
For more information, contact Sylaisha Taylor, Executive Secretary to Representative Geraldine F. Thompson, at 407-245-1511 or by email at [email protected].
